| "So I was born in the Earth Kingdom colonies! It doesn't make me a traitor! Hong, this is messed up!" |
| — Peijing to Hong before their Agni Kai.[1] |
Peijing was a firebender and student of the Royal Fire Academy for Girls during the late Hundred Year War. She was part of Azula's circle of friends at the school, although she was repeatedly manipulated by the princess.
History
Early life and starting to attend the Royal Fire Academy
Peijing was part of a Fire Nation noble family, but was born in the colonies which had been set up in occupied Earth Kingdom territory. As a young girl, she was allowed to attend the prestigious Royal Fire Academy for Girls. However, Peijing quickly realized that her origin as a colonist made her a target for harassment, causing her to lie to other students about having been born at North Chung-Ling on Shuhon Island. She eventually became best friends with another student named Hong.[1]
During Peijing's time at the Royal Fire Academy, the school was also attended by Princess Azula. Both Peijing as well as Hong eventually became part of Azula's circle of friends, though the latter repeatedly abused and manipulated them. At one point, Peijing revealed her true origins to the princess.[1]
One day, Peijing, Ty Lee, and a few other students were listening as Azula retold her giving advice to her father Ozai. They were interrupted by Mai, who declared her intention to befriend Azula. To do so, Mai started to display her skills by throwing knives close to the princess. In the process, the knives hit the tree where Peijing was standing, frightening her.[1]
Agni Kai
Later on, Azula told Hong about Peijing being actually from the colonies and also lied about her being an Earth Kingdom sympathizer as well as her secretly meeting with Earth Kingdom rebels. Riled up by the news that her older brother had been deployed to a deadly frontline of the Hundred Year War, Hong was horrified and furious at this information. The two friends got into a heated argument, and Peijing was challenged to an Agni Kai by Hong. As they entered the Academy's Agni Kai arena, the two greeted Headmistress Pearl who asked about their intentions. Peijing again tried to dissuade Hong from fighting, stating that she was not a traitor and how this dispute was nonsense. When she was openly accused of supporting Earth Kingdom rebels and Pearl asked whether she was willing to tolerate this stain upon her honor, Peijing relented and agreed to a duel.[1]
Though Hong initiated the Agni Kai with a furious firebending strike, Peijing calmly deflected the attack and jumped closer to engage her opponent with fire daggers. In contrast to Hong's emotional style, Peijing acted determined, careful, and precise during the duel. When Hong again attempted to land a punch, Peijing ducked away and directly hit the other girl with a non-lethal, but painful fire punch into the chest. At this moment of triumph, Peijing's face was displaying a cold, cruel anger. As she snapped back as Pearl declared the fight over, however, Peijing carried the wounded Hong away to get medical treatment.[1]
Appearances
Graphic novels
- Ashes of the Academy (flashback)
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Hicks, Faith Erin (writer), Wartman, Peter (artist), Matera, Adele (colorist), Betancourt, Jimmy (letterer). Ashes of the Academy (2025), Dark Horse Comics.